What are Probiotics, and why do they matter?

5 Mar 2019 09:40:59

Probiotics are organisms that are beneficial to our health. They're essential for our digestion, immunity, energy levels, and skin health.

You've probably seen the inspirational yoghurt adverts that refer to good/bad bacteria. Our guts do indeed contain a mix of good and bad bacteria. Our natural levels of good bacteria are constantly being diminished by everyday factors, such as stress, ageing, medicines or supplements we take, travel, poor diets, and consuming too much sugar.

When the balance (or imbalance) between good and bad bacteria isn't right, it can lead to poor immunity, digestive problems, and a lack of energy. So, it's important to try and maintain a good balance.

What exactly are Probiotics?

They're microorganisms - very small (impossible to see with the naked eye-small) living things. They don't sound particularly important, but certain microorganisms are essential to our health. They're found all over the the human body, and microorganisms are involved in lots of our bodily functions.

What we're interested in here is the make up ouressential gut flora (the complex community of microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts).

Here, microogranisms perform a whole host of useful functions - such as breaking down food, training the immune system, preventing growth of harmful species, regulating the development of the gut, producing vitamins, and producing hormones to direct our bodies to store fats.

Changes to the composition of human gut flora over time can affect us in lots of different, and important ways. For example, certain central nervous system disorders including anxiety and depression, and certain aspects of memory performance, have been shown to have been improved, when treated with certain commercially available strains of probiotic bacteria.

The list goes on. Microorganisms can impact upon our skin health, bladder health, reproductive health, and our lungs. Research has shown links with lots of different illnesses and conditions - for example high cholesterol. Microorganisms can even affect the efficacy of the medicine we take.

All this is beginning to get very complicated... In short, it's important to be aware of microorganisms and probiotics. But don't just take our word for it...

What Pills do the Docs Pop?

OptiBac Probiotics, on their blog, recently posted a few articles that were published in several national newspapers - which included comments given by Dr Sohère Roked, a GP and hormone specialist. In it, she advises that she takes OptiBac Probiotics for Every Day EXTRA Strength Capsulesas her good bacteria supplement of choice.

Dr Tania Adib (a consultant gynaecologist) is likewise a fan of OptiBac Probiotics for Every Day EXTRA Strength Capsules. In an article entitled ‘Pill poppers: We asked doctors what supplements they take’ in The Times, Dr Adib said: "I take a daily supplement, OptiBac, in capsule form, which contains 20 billion live cultures and two key strains of bacteria.”

OptiBac Probiotics have won lots of awards (e.g. Rude Health Awards 2019, Healthy Living 2018 Award), and been recommended by loads of health/lifestyle writers (e.g. Carly Rowena, Zanna Van Dijk) and publications (e.g. Women's Health, Elle Magazine). A quick look at their blog lists some of their recent recognition.

In our opinion however, the personal endorsements by Dr Roked & Dr Adib are massive. These are qualified professionals, specialised in a particular field of medicine, and they're recommending OptiBac Probiotics.

Personally, I'm more than happy to take their word for it. After all, if it's good enough for them...

The OptiBac range of Probiotics

OptiBac Probiotics are highly and extensively researched. They can help with a very wide range of health conditions, by supporting the gut.

Different strains of probiotics have different qualities and benefits, and their research has led to them developing a range that uses specific probiotic strains to treat specific health conditions. In short - with OptiBac Probiotics - you get the probiotic that's right for you.

There's also been lots of research conducted to ensure that OptiBac Probiotics reach you in the best possible condition. Their strains are guaranteed to survive at room temperature (so you don't need to keep them in your fridge); survive long enough to reach your gut, still alive; and provide the stated billions count by the time the Expiry Date marked on the pack comes around.

They also go through extensive human clinical trials, to ensure that they offer a specific health benefit to you.

Because OptiBac Probiotics are comprised of different strains, and provide specific health benefits, you're able to take more than one OptiBac supplement at a time.

OptiBac Probiotics are best taken with a meal - usually breakfast. They shouldn't be taken with a hot drink, because this may damage the live cultures.

Are Probiotics suitable for everyone?

If you have a serious medical condition, a probiotic supplement may not be suitable for you. It's always best to speak with a qualified health professional before taking any medicine or supplement - particularly if you've an underlying health condition or are taking medicine for something else. Speak to your GP or Community Pharmacist for advice.

Categories

By ticking this box I consent to Gordons Chemists occasionally sending me information
about new products, latest offers, and competitions, via their email newsletter.
Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.